Soda crystals to clean dishwasher - are they a good idea?

Soda crystals to clean dishwasher – or are there better options?

The purpose of this short guide is to help you decide whether using soda crystals to clean your dishwasher is a good idea, and to compare them with other effective cleaning options.

The dishwasher is a firm favourite in most workplaces, as well as at home. It’s easy to assume that because it runs hot cycles every day, it must be self‑cleaning. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Food debris, grease, limescale and soap residue all build up over time, and without regular maintenance, your dishwasher can start to smell, block or clean poorly.

So, is using soda crystals to clean your dishwasher the best option? Let’s take a look.

Soda crystals to clean dishwasher – how to do it

Soda crystals can indeed be used to clean your dishwasher easily and safely. They are excellent at breaking down grease, softening water and removing stubborn residues.

How to use soda crystals in your dishwasher:

1. Add a small amount of soda crystals to the detergent dispenser.
2. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle available.
3. Allow the cycle to complete fully.
4. Once finished, the dishwasher should look and smell noticeably cleaner.

Soda crystals are a simple, low‑cost option and are particularly good for tackling grease and soap build‑up.

Are soda crystals safe for all dishwashers?

In most cases, yes — soda crystals are safe for modern dishwashers. However:

• They should not be used in machines with aluminium parts
• They should not be mixed with other cleaning chemicals
• They should be used sparingly, as too much can leave residue

Always check your manufacturer’s guidance if you’re unsure.

Are there other options apart from soda crystals to clean a dishwasher?

Yes — and some are just as effective.

1. Distilled white vinegar

Place a glass measuring cup filled with two cups of vinegar on the top rack and run a normal cycle (no detergent, no dishes) on the hottest setting.

This helps remove grease, odours and light limescale.

2. Dishwasher‑specific cleaning tablets

These are designed to break down grease, limescale and food residue. They’re convenient and safe for all machines.

3. Baking soda

Sprinkle a small amount on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short hot cycle.

This helps deodorise and brighten the interior.

Each method has its benefits, and many people rotate between them for best results.

Don’t forget the filter and spray arms

A sparkling dishwasher interior means nothing if the filter and spray arms are clogged.

Quick maintenance steps:

• Remove the filter and rinse it under hot water
• Use a brush to remove trapped food
• Check spray arm holes for blockages
• Wipe the inside of the door and detergent drawer

These simple steps dramatically improve cleaning performance.

Don’t forget – wipe the door seals clean!

Food remains and grease can get stuck on the door rim and seals. Over time, this can cause the seals to perish and lead to leaks.

A quick weekly wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to prevent this.

In summary

Soda crystals are a great, low‑cost option for cleaning your dishwasher, but they’re not the only choice. Vinegar, baking soda and dishwasher cleaning tablets all work well too. Regular maintenance — especially cleaning the filter and seals — will keep your dishwasher running efficiently and hygienically.

Green Fox Cleaning are a commercial cleaning company who can not only keep your dishwasher clean and hygienic, but the rest of your premises too. Click here to learn more about us, and how we can help improve the appearance of your business with ours.